Home Remedies for a Skin Rash on a Dog

A skin rash on a dog can develop very quickly. Some dogs obsessively scratch the affected area and cause more problems. It is always best to see a veterinarian before using any home remedies for your dog's skin rash. Once your vet has ruled out serious skin conditions, you can begin using home treatments to relieve your dog's rash.

  1. Aloe Vera and Herbs

    • Use aloe vera on your dog's skin in the same way you would apply it to your own itchy rash. Get aloe from the plant or you can buy it in a health food store in a gel form. Use natural aloe that does not contain any other ingredients. Some aloe vera gels contain menthol, which may irritate your dog's skin or cause pain.

      Try soothing herbal preparations for your dog's rash such as an oatmeal bath or green tea rinse. Chamomile is also soothing relief for dry painful rashes.

    Cut Away the Fur

    • Fur may get matted in the rash area. Cut away the fur to expose the rash. You will be able to get at the affected area without having to contend with fur getting in the ointment or gel that you use.

      Keep the rash clean by rinsing with warm water. If your dog has been scratching or nibbling at the rash it could become infected. Cover the rash or put an Elizabethan collar on the dog to prevent biting at the skin. A skin infection that is not treated can become very serious.

    Prevention

    • Skin rashes can occur for a variety of reasons from fleas to eczema. Keep your dog protected from fleas with a collar or flea treatment. Some dogs are very sensitive to the saliva of fleas and will scratch the area more frequently than other dogs. This can cause a dangerous skin infection.

      Wash your dog's bedding frequently in hot water to prevent a flea infestation. If you do find that your dog has had fleas, you must treat every soft surface in your home to eliminate the fleas. This is the most common source of a skin rash on a dog.

      Dog's must also have omega-6 essential fatty acids in their diet. A poor diet can cause dry skin and coat problems. Omega-6 cannot be produced in the body and must come from foods. You can add a supplement to your dog's food and choose a high quality dog food for your pet.